Belgian GP officially off the 2006 calendar

The FIA confirmed on February 8th that the Belgian Grand Prix has been
withdrawn from the 2006 calendar. The reason given by the Belgian National
Sporting Authority is to allow time for the Spa-Francorchamps circuit to be
upgraded, which could not...

The FIA confirmed on February 8th that the Belgian Grand Prix has been
withdrawn from the 2006 calendar. The reason given by the Belgian National
Sporting Authority is to allow time for the Spa-Francorchamps circuit to be
upgraded, which could not be done in time for this year's September 17th
date.

The race has been in doubt for some time, initially due to problems in
regard to the promotion of the event after the previous promoter was
declared bankrupt late last year. There were reports in the Belgian media
not long ago that said the race would be cancelled but at the time the FIA
dismissed the claims.

Bernie Ecclestone was in discussions to give assistance in promoting the
event but it seems his involvement is a moot point as far as this season is
concerned. The Belgian GP will hopefully return to the schedule in 2007.

"The Belgian National Sporting Authority, the RACB, has written to notify
the FIA of the withdrawal of the 2006 Belgian Grand Prix from the FIA
Formula One World Championship," said a statement from the FIA.

"The withdrawal has been made in order to allow the completion of extensive
improvement work to facilities at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The FIA
hopes that the event will be included once again in the Formula One World
Championship calendar from 2007 onwards."

This means that the 2006 calendar will drop from 19 to 18 races, which some
teams will probably be happy about as the lengthy schedule has been
attracting some criticism. However, Spa is considered to be one of the
world's best circuits and its absence will missed.

The track is a favourite with drivers and fans alike and Red Bull's David
Coulthard told the BBC he was disappointed about the decision to withdraw
it. "It's a shame because it's one of the great circuits. But it's a
business and you've got to get on with it."

The Belgian National Sporting Authority has yet to confirm that the season
finale for the GP2 Series will also be canceled, which was on the same date
with the Formula One event.